Construction has begun on a pair of gleaming new buildings at the Vanderbilt Legends Club that within seven months will propel Vanderbilt University's varsity golf programs into an elite facilities status.

The $2.3 million additions include a 4,900 square foot clubhouse that will house men's and women's locker rooms that will equate with the finest in private clubs and rival any facility in collegiate golf. It will be completed by the first of August, 2013, well in advance of next year's season.

The new package also includes a cutting edge instruction facility that will house both varsity teams along with a teaching area for the Vanderbilt Legends Club teaching professional. This facility could be ready for varsity use by April 1, 2013.

"We are excited about the start of construction on these facilities," said Vanderbilt Director of Athletics David Williams. "Vanderbilt is serious about golf and our goal is to win championships. We have great coaches and strong team foundations in place and soon our facilities will be second to none. We want to thank the generosity of our donors that made this project possible with a special mention to Vanderbilt alumnus and golf enthusiast Lew Conner for his undying support of this project."

Women's golf coach Greg Allen, who has guided his Commodores to three straight NCAA finishes inside the Top 12, sees the additions as a game changer.

"These new buildings will help our teams continue to improve everyday as well as help us tremendously in the recruiting game. We're excited about the team camaraderie that will take place in the clubhouse. It will be complete with a meeting room, socializing area and very classy locker rooms. The equipment in the hitting bays will be the latest and greatest state of the art video equipment."

Men's coach Scott Limbaugh, who joined Vanderbilt's program last July and already has his team ranked among the nation's Top 20, agrees.

"We have all the pieces in place to have a great program," says the former Alabama assistant. "We offer a world class education, Nashville's golf community includes a wide array of tremendous golf courses and supportive fans and now we add world class facilities. Greg and I are tremendously appreciative of the donors that made this dream become a reality."

The clubhouse will be located adjacent to the wedge tee on the Conner Short Game practice facility while the teaching facility will be just 50 yards away by the course's driving range.

Periodic updates including videos will appear on this site during the seven months of construction.